Peugeot 508 unveiled at Paris
Peugeot’s replacement for the 407 is finally here, and it is unveiled at the Paris Motor Show as the 508, available in sedan and station wagon (SW) bodystyles. The design was previewed to us at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year as the ‘5 by Peugeot’, and the new car is set to go on sale in Europe by 2011.
Styling features cues derived from Peugeot’s SR1 concept car, and has been carried over almost unchanged from the aforementioned ‘5 by Peugeot’ concept. Both variants are rather close in size, with the sedan measuring 4.79m and the SW at 4.81m.
Engine options total up to seven – five diesel and two petrol. The oil-burning range features two 1.6-litre engines, two 2.0-litre engines and a 2.2-litre HDi FAP engine producing 204hp and 450Nm in the 508 GT. The 1.6 e-HDI features start/stop technology and is rated for a combined fuel consumption figure of 4.4 litres/100km.
Petrol power is delivered by the 1.6-litre BMW-PSA Prince engine in VTi and THP formats, though only the 156hp / 240Nm THP model is available as of launch time, paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. The 120hp / 160Nm VTi model is available with an electronically-controlled 6-speed manual transmission will be launched in Spring 2011 with a 6-speed auto version of the THP.
Curiously, Peugeot will be offering the 508 with two different front axle designs. Majority of the range will feature a conventional MacPherson strut front suspension, but 2.2-litre diesel-powered 508 GT will feature double wishbones instead. Things are, nevertheless, standard at the rear with independent multi-link suspension offered across the board.
Steering setup follows a conventional rack & pinion design with electro-hydraulic power assist. All-round discs are also standard, and all variants of the 508 will come equipped the latest-generation ESP which bundles in stability control, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, hill assist, and traction control.
Peugeot has been paying a great deal of attention to its cabin quality these days, and it shows. The 3008 we tested earlier this year already demonstrated build quality reminiscent of Audi, and the 508 continues in that vein. From our visual inspection, dashboard is put to a high standard of fit and finish.
It not only appears well built, it is also well-equipped, featuring heads-up display, quad-zone climate control, and a panoramic sunroof amongst many things. Whether any or all of these equipment will still be on the list when the 508 arrives in Malaysia remains to be seen, though there is a good chance they will, considering how recent Peugeots have been generous with their kit count.
